Context

• Wetlands are among the most biologically productive ecosystems on Earth, providing essential ecological, economic, and social benefits.
• However, their rapid degradation due to human activities and climate change has become a significant environmental concern.
• The recent Suo Motu public interest litigation by the Meghalaya High Court to monitor wetland conservation in the state has once again brought attention to this crucial issue.

Significance of Wetlands

• Wetlands are invaluable ecosystems that support biodiversity, regulate water cycles, and act as carbon sinks.
• Globally, wetlands cover approximately 12.1 million square kilometres, which accounts for about 6% of the Earth's surface.
• Despite their relatively small coverage, they contribute to nearly 40.6% of global ecosystem services.
• These ecosystems provide critical habitat for numerous species, help in flood control, purify water, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
• In recognition of their importance, the Ramsar Convention was adopted in 1971 to promote wetland conservation and sustainable use.
• Every year, February 2 is observed as ‘World Wetlands Day’ to raise awareness of wetland preservation.
• The 2023 theme, ‘Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future’, underscores their role in sustainable development, aligning with the principles outlined in the Brundtland Report (1987), which emphasizes intergenerational environmental responsibility.

Threats to Wetlands

• Despite their immense ecological and economic value, wetlands face severe stress due to human-induced and natural factors.
• Studies indicate that since 1900, nearly 50% of the world’s wetlands have been lost. Between 1970 and 2015 alone, global wetland surface area declined by about 35%, with an annual loss rate of 0.78%.
• This is more than three times higher than the loss rate of natural vegetation.
• Some of the major threats include:
  • Urbanisation and Industrialisation: The rapid expansion of cities has led to the destruction of wetlands for infrastructure development.
  • Agricultural Expansion: Conversion of wetlands for farming reduces biodiversity and disrupts water balance.
  • Pollution: Industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff contaminate wetland ecosystems.
  • Climate Change: Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns impact wetland hydrology.
  • Overexploitation of Resources: Unsustainable fishing, groundwater extraction, and land reclamation degrade wetlands.
• The loss of wetlands has resulted in the decline of 81% of inland wetland species and 36% of coastal and marine species since 1970.
• The extinction risk for both plant and animal species associated with wetlands is increasing globally, highlighting the urgency of conservation efforts.

Global Conservation Initiatives

• The conservation and management of wetlands are now seen as integral to global sustainability.
• The 14th Conference of the Parties (COP14) of the Ramsar Convention held in 2022 emphasised the need for wetlands to be part of broader environmental strategies.
• The conference stressed that wetland conservation should not be a standalone initiative but should be linked to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Global Biodiversity Targets, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, and climate change mitigation efforts.
• The impact of biodiversity loss and climate change has become more evident after the COVID-19 pandemic, making it more urgent to protect wetlands.
• Effective implementation of the Ramsar Strategic Plan would contribute significantly to global environmental sustainability.

The Status of Wetlands in India and the Economic Implications

• Status of Wetlands in India
  • As a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, India has designated 89 Ramsar sites as wetlands of international importance as of today.
  • These wetlands span diverse ecosystems, from the coastal regions to the Himalayan territories.
  • Notably, even some river stretches, such as the Upper Ganga, are designated as Ramsar sites.
  • However, mere identification as a Ramsar site does not guarantee protection.
  • The National Wetland Decadal Change Atlas (2017-18), prepared by the Space Applications Centre (SAC), highlights that wetlands in India cover approximately 15.98 million hectares.
  • Of this, 66.6% are natural wetlands, while the remaining are man-made.
  • Unfortunately, natural wetlands in India are shrinking. Nearly 30% of India’s natural wetlands have been lost in the last four decades due to urbanisation, pollution, and encroachment.
  • Major urban centres have witnessed alarming losses:
    • Mumbai has lost 71% of its wetlands from 1970 to 2014.
    • East Kolkata Wetlands have shrunk by 36% between 1991 and 2021.
    • Chennai has lost 85% of its wetlands, as per a WWF study.
• The Economic Implications of Wetland Loss
  • The economic implications of wetland loss are staggering.
  • A study in Cali, Colombia, estimated that the loss of urban wetland ecosystem services amounts to $76,827 per hectare annually, while the loss in peri-urban areas is $30,354 per hectare annually.
  • Similar losses can be expected in India, given the rapid rate of wetland degradation.

Key strategies for Wetland Conservation

• Integrated Wetland Management: Aligning wetland conservation with broader environmental and development goals.
• Policy and Governance: Implementing stricter regulations to prevent encroachments and pollution.
• Community Involvement: Encouraging local participation in wetland restoration and protection.
• Technology and Research: Utilising satellite imagery, GIS mapping, and AI to monitor wetland changes.
• Climate Change Mitigation: Recognizing wetlands as both a source and sink of carbon, making them crucial for climate action.

The Way Forward: The Need for a Holistic Conservation Approach

• In India, wetland conservation efforts have primarily focused on ecological and environmental aspects.
• However, a comprehensive approach that integrates social, economic, and governance factors is necessary.
• At the global level, wetland conservation strategies include biodiversity monitoring, wetland mapping, and human impact assessment.
• The Ramsar COP14 conference advocated for an ecosystem-based approach to wetland management, emphasising that wetland conservation should be embedded within broader urban and rural development plans.

Conclusion

• Wetlands play a critical role in sustaining biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and providing ecosystem services.
• While international frameworks like the Ramsar Convention and national initiatives have made progress in wetland conservation, the current approach is inadequate.
• A more integrated, multi-disciplinary strategy involving policy reforms, technological advancements, community engagement, and climate resilience planning is essential for long-term wetland preservation.